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Problematic pornography use as an externalizing depression symptom in cisgender men: A cross-sectional questionnaire
Andreas Walther1,2, Ulrike Ehlert2, Nikola Komlenac3
11Psychotherapy Research, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.
Journal of Behavioral Addictions
|September 8, 2025
Summary
Problematic pornography use (PPU) may function as an externalizing depression symptom in men. High PPU and externalizing symptoms correlate with depression, potentially masking underlying mental health issues and aligning with masculinity norms.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Mental Health
- Sociology
Background:
- Depression often presents with externalizing symptoms in men, such as anger or substance abuse, aligning with masculinity ideologies.
- Problematic pornography use (PPU), marked by poor impulse control, is explored as a potential externalizing depression symptom.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if problematic pornography use (PPU) functions as an externalizing symptom of depression in cisgender men.
- To examine the relationship between depressive symptoms, conformity to masculinity ideologies, externalizing symptoms, and PPU.
Main Methods:
- Assessed depression, externalizing symptoms, masculinity ideology conformity, and PPU in 265 cisgender men in German-speaking countries.
- Utilized a manifest mediation path model to analyze the associations between variables.
Main Results:
- Depressive symptoms were linked to greater conformity to masculinity ideologies.
- Conformity to masculinity ideologies was associated with increased externalizing symptoms and problematic pornography use (PPU).
- The correlation between masculinity ideology conformity and externalizing symptoms was not significant.
Conclusions:
- Problematic pornography use (PPU) may act as a way for men to externalize depression symptoms, aligning with masculine norms.
- Screening for PPU could help identify men with mental health issues and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Keywords:
German-speaking mendepressionexternalizing symptomsgendermasculinity ideologiesproblematic pornography use (PPU)More Related Videos
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